About Kay

My goal with Crow's Wing Spa is to present, in an intimate environment, the type of luxury options - sauna, steam, scrubs and wraps - typically found only in larger spas. I also wanted to accommodate clients as they aged and perhaps became challenged with mobility issues.

And So...My Journey Begins
I left the "office" forever to start a family in 1984. After a few years of full-time parenting with two children, I started teaching aerobic exercise classes at a local health club.

The Long Road Home
This is when I became intensely curious about the workings of the human body as I watched participants improve their posture, mood and energy levels through exercise.

Massage school was a great option for studying muscles, bones, movement and the effects of human touch. Before enrolling, I booked my first professional massage. About two minutes into the session, I was committed, hook, line and sinker to this wonderful profession.

After graduating from Seattle Massage School in 1988, I began to do massage at a Seattle health club, where I stayed for nearly a decade.

I loved the flexibility of working by appointment, and to this day I can't believe I get paid for this! Every once in awhile I have the same nightmare: I'm waiting for the 7:35 a.m. bus on a busy street, wearing a navy blue suit with pantyhose and heels and carrying a briefcase. I wake up in a cold sweat. I think it's a guilt dream -- I simply can't believe my good fortune to find a career I truly love and that allows me to make an actual living.

I began my Thai Massage studies shortly after reading a magazine article on the subject. I was so pumped I wanted to take the very next flight available to Bangkok!

I had to wait a year or so, but made my first exploratory trip to Thailand in 1993, where I experienced many different styles of Thai massage. When I came home I was determined to continue my studies and was lucky to find Michael Eisenberg, then living in Bow, Washington. At the time, Michael took students on annual trips to Chiang Mai, to the Institute of Thai Massage (ITM), where he acted as an assistant instructor. A talented therapist and
gifted teacher, he patiently taught me the whole routine as taught at ITM over a period of five years, a little at a time. Taking my time (I'm a slow learner) gave me a chance to practice, integrate and fine-tune the moves.

By the time I returned to Thailand in 1997 I was ready to take the teaching-certification course and received my credentials at ITM with Chongkol and Attchara Settakorn.

DVDs and more...

Discouraged by the lack of adequate teaching materials, I created my own over the next four years, culminating in The Thai Massage Workbook, a step-by-step guide (something I wish I had had while learning!). The workbook includes a full three-hour routine. And now there is the DVD, a shorter, step-by-step guide to a 90-minute routine.

Teaching & Learning
I now specialize in teaching Thai on the Table for massage therapists, and have written a book and produced a DVD on the subject [www.learn-thaimassage.com]. This work is constantly evolving from the collective wisdom of other practitioners. Their creativity and compassion in the service of clients never fail to inspire me.

There is no end to the learning process, so the work I do in my treatment room is always evolving. I return to Thailand every year or two to concentrate on collecting new moves, refine old ones and explore the many approaches taken by other therapists. I also collaborate with many creative Thai therapists here in North America who have generously shared their knowledge and experience. In addition, I joined the Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI), a non-profit association of Thai therapist, teachers and institutions committed to excellence and to the promotion of this great tradition. The association is working towards standardizing levels of achievement and study. Through THAI, I am a Registered Thai Therapist.

Various Massage Styles
In addition to Thai massage, I integrate Swedish, deep tissue and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi techniques into my massage on the table.

Yum!
I'm a dedicated foodie, happy to have the opportunity at the spa to engage my senses by immersing myself in the tactile joy and the aromatic pleasure of foods without actually eating them. Indulging myself in my two favorite things, bodies and organic food, is my idea of a great career.

The Rossiter System
When I encountered the Rossiter System, I immediately recognized it as the missing piece in my treatment room. Developed by a dedicated student of Ida Rolf, the Rossiter workout effectively stretches the fascia, allowing the body to restore balance and instantly escape pain. Results are profound, and the process is very satisfying.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you soon! Ready to book a treatment? Click here.

Why Crows You Ask?...continued!

When I decided to open a spa, a main motivation was to serve existing clients as we age together, creating a space that is easy to move around in and warms the bones in many ways.

What About Crow's Feet?

Since I laugh a lot, and embrace the smile lines on my face, my original intention was to name the spa "Crow's Feet,"
but that name went over like a truckload of bricks among my friends (who are my treasured advisers).

So we compromised.

On The Fence?

A friend also pointed out the marketing possibilities of a name that includes crows, as ever present as they are.

So, next time you see one on the fence or hear that distinctive call outside your kitchen window, perhaps you'll thank those crows for the reminder to
treat your sore neck to a massage and call Kay for a spa treatment!

﻿

Why Crows You Ask?

I've always admired crows for their intelligence, resourcefulness and fierce sense of community.

They have a strong and beautiful visual impact, looking particularly graceful on the wing.

When I decided to open a spa, a main motivation was to serve existing clients as we age together, creating a space that is easy to move around in and warms the bones in many ways.

What About Crow's Feet?

Since I laugh a lot, and embrace the smile lines on my face, my original intention was to name the spa "Crow's Feet,"
but that name went over like a truckload of bricks among my friends (who are my treasured advisers).

So we compromised.

On The Fence?

A friend also pointed out the marketing possibilities of a name that includes crows, as ever present as they are.

So, next time you see one on the fence or hear that distinctive call outside your kitchen window, perhaps you'll thank those crows for the reminder to
treat your sore neck to a massage and call Kay for a spa treatment!

﻿

The Rossiter Workout

An alternative, natural and effective way of getting your body out of pain.

30 minutes - 45 minutes

The Rossiter Workout is to get you out of pain – right now. You are fully clothed on a mat on the floor, and, as your Rossiter coach, I apply weight with my foot. You are actively involved in finding the pain and stretching the fascia until you are sweating and begging for mercy.

Knee pain

Low back pain and sciatica

Stiff necks

Sore shoulders

Achy feet and stiff knees

Hip pain

Arm, wrist and elbow pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Elbow tendonitis

Developed for over 20 years by Richard Rossiter, a Rolfer, this workout is a superbly effective way to soften and lengthen the fascia, restoring balance to the body and movement to the joints while eliminating nagging, persistent pain. If you'd like more information, visit the Rossiter System website or we can talk about it when we set up your appointment.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation of Class: In the event that I cancel a class for any reason, participants will be sent a 100% refund within 7 days of the class being canceled.

Participant No Show: In the event that a participant does not show to the first day of class, I will retain 100% of the class fee.

Participant Cancellation Within 14 Days of Class: In the event that the participant cancels within 14 days of the class start, I will charge a $50 administrative fee and will refund the balance within 7 days of the cancellation.

Participant Cancellation Greater Than 14 Days of Class: In the event that the participant cancels prior to 14 days before the start of class, I will send a 100% refund within 7 days of the cancellation.

The Rates

30 minutes -$45

45 minutes -$60

One hour - $80

1.5 hours - $120

2 hours - $155

2.5 hours - $190

3 hours - $230

That's right; these prices are for whichever treatment or combination of treatments you desire.

Rossiter only

30 minutes - $50

45 minutes - $75

Sauna only option

45 minutes (includes shower) - $45

Two persons taking sauna together - $60

Please note that these rates reflect a discount for same-day payment. If you wish to be billed, please add $10 to the total. Payment in cash, check or PayPal (sorry, no credit cards).

Spa Packages

Nuts Over You

Sweat in the sauna or steam, then enjoy a scrub with scrubby gloves and almond soap. You're covered in shea nut butter and wrapped. Oatmeal facial while you relax. After finishing with hot, wet towels, follow with a one hour coconut oil massage or Thai massage.
2.5 hours

Lavender Loveliness

Serious sweat for 30 minutes in the sauna. Then, lavender soap scrub with scrubby gloves, followed by a lavender-scented massage in the dry room, including hot towels.
2.5 hours

Mom-to-be Mollycoddle

Tête-à-tête for Two

Steam or sauna together, then take turns doing body scrubs on each other with my guidance or completely on your own. Then to the dry room, where I will teach you massage moves the two of you can practice later. One of you learns while the other enjoys. Then you trade places! Available for either table massage or Traditional Massage of Thailand.
3 hours

Just Friends Switcheroo

Come in together, and one can luxuriate in the sauna, steam, or both, while the other gets a massage, then you can switch.
2 hours

Chef's Choice

Just see what I can "cook up" for you!

The Treatment Rooms

Steam

Relax and breathe deep to moisturize your lungs in the steam enclosure/shower unit just big enough for two.

Massage on the Table

Your massage always includes the comfort of a warming neck pillow and a gentle foot wash with hot, wet towels.

Then, you may select from a wide range of massage modalities I've refined and road-tested over two decades of clinical experience - including relaxing Hawaiian Lomi Lomi strokes, Swedish techniques, Barefoot Body Bliss (in which I use my feet to work on your back, glutes, hamstrings, and calves), sports massage moves, stretches from Thai massage and other modalities, and fascial release work. I will collaborate with you to create a treatment that meets your exact specifications to accomplish your goals for the session.

The Sauna

Far Infrared Sauna
This technology was initially developed in the 1960s in Japan for medical applications. It generates far infrared rays similar to those produced by your own body to maintain your internal temperature.

In 1979, a California company began importing the patented ceramic heaters to build the first far infrared saunas available to the public. The heaters are UL tested for safety.

Here at Crow's Wing Spa you can experience the Healthmate Far Infrared sauna, the best available today. When you enter the sauna, the warmth of the infrared rays wraps you like a warm embrace. The ambient temperature is that of a pleasant summer day, but soon you will begin sweating profusely. The far infrared rays penetrate about two inches into your body to increase circulation, warm joints and muscles, and give you a mild cardiovascular workout (caused by the effort to sweat), causing you to burn a surprising number of calories.

The Healthmate Sauna fits either two persons seated, or one person lying down.

To receive the full benefit of far infrared, 60 minutes is recommended. Even though the heat is on for 45 minutes, I recommend opening the sauna door and staying until your body stops sweating on its own, usually within 10 or 15 minutes. Since the benefit of the sauna is in the sweating, you want to maximize it.